Robbers threaten Lagos residents, demand for their 'dues'

Residents of Joseph Harrison Estate, Yaba area of Lagos state have been thrown into panic after they got a letter from armed robbers today, December 7.Robbers threaten Lagos residents, demand for their 'dues'

The robbers notified the residents of their impending attack, adding that they want to collect their “dues” for the festive season.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the letter was placed on the vehicle of one of the residents and was discovered in the morning when he was about to wash his car.

Part of the letter read: “We are coming this week to collect our dues and to visit you tenants and landlords of Joseph Harrison Street in the week. If you like go and bring police or soldiers, we are coming to perform our duties.

“If you cooperate, we will not kill, but if you fail to cooperate, blood will flow.”

Meanwhile, sterner security measures have been put in place in the area to protect the lives and properties of the residents.

Chairman, Community Development Association, Mr. Bolanle Akinyemi, said the estate had enjoyed some peace for a long while as it was protected by guards and the police from Sabo Police Post.

“We are also mindful of the slum that surrounds us and we have been conscious of suspected criminals.

“No one has received such letter before, but there was a case in 2013 when a company in the estate was robbed,” he said.

Akinyemi also said they have reported the threat to Sabo Police Division and more guards have been engaged at the estate, even as residents in the area urged the police to deploy more men to patrol the estate regularly.

Recently, a pastor and his wife were killed by armed robbers on their way back from a church conference.

The pastor and his wife identified as Mr Joseph and Mrs Cecilia Tsafa, had attended the Universal Reformed Christian Church worldwide choir conference in Jaki, Kwande local government area of Benue state, and were on their way back to their base in Taraba state, when they were attacked and killed by the bandits.